Key facts
- Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have pledged unity ahead of a Paris court's verdict on Tuesday.
- The verdict will determine Le Pen's eligibility to run in the 2027 French presidential election.
- Le Pen is appealing a March 2025 conviction for misusing European Parliament funds.
- If convicted on appeal, Le Pen could face a ban from holding elected office.
- Le Pen stated she would support Bardella if judicial restrictions prevent her from campaigning.
- Bardella expressed his full support for Le Pen and hopes for her presidency.
A Paris appeals court is set to rule on Tuesday on whether Marine Le Pen can run in the 2027 French presidential election, following a conviction for misusing European Parliament funds. Ahead of the verdict, Le Pen and National Rally president Jordan Bardella publicly pledged unity and mutual support, aiming to quell rumors of internal dissent.
Le Pen, 57, is appealing a March 2025 ruling that found her and her party guilty of siphoning approximately €2.9 million in EU funds between 2004 and 2016, allegedly to pay party staff. The initial conviction included suspended prison time and a five-year ban from holding elected office.
If the appeals court upholds the ruling, Le Pen could be barred from the 2027 presidential race, which is widely seen as her best opportunity to win the top job. She has stated that any judicial restrictions or prison sentences would make a viable campaign impossible. In such a scenario, Bardella, 30, is considered a potential successor.
During a party event, Le Pen and Bardella used their speeches to criticize opponents, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Gabriel Attal, and Édouard Philippe, while emphasizing their commitment to working together. Le Pen stated she would support Bardella with "great energy" if she is prevented from running.